"shown the town," looked shorter than before, and even too little to be safely put into breeches. Yet Brunton, as her lover Belville, pursued her, and was transported to find her under this disguise; and Mr. Murray, her pretended husband, was thrown into an agony of despair, at the idea of another man taking her by the hand. The absurdity was now too great to be endured, and there was a burst of censure from all parts of the house. At last, Charles Kemble, as Harcourt, exclaimed, "Let me introduce you, nephew; you should know each other, you are very like, and of the same age." The whole effect was so out of character, so very ludicrous, that the audience soon decided against Miss Mudie. At first, the audience did not hiss when she was on the stage, from delicacy; but, in her absence, they hissed the performance, to stop the play, if possible. Yet, as she confidently persevered, they, at length, hissed her, and called, vehemently, off! off! Miss Mudie was not, however, without a strong party of "warm friends," to support her; and to such a degree did the noise increase, in the latter scenes, that not a word could be heard on which, Miss Mudie (who had, hitherto, appeared entirely occupied with the business of the scene, and whose energy had not in the least been damped by the marked disapprobation of the house,) walked to the front of the stage, with great confidence and composure, though not without some signs of indignation, and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, “I have done nothing to offend you; and as for those who are sent here to hiss me, I will be much obliged to you to turn them out." This bold speech, from such a baby, astonished the audience: some roared with laughter, some hissed, others cried off! off! and many ap plauded. Miss Mudie did not appear to be in the slightest degree chagrined or embarrassed, but went on with the scene, as if she had been completely successful. At the end of it, the uproar was considerable; and a loud cry arising of Manager! Manager! Mr. Kemble came forward, and said, Gentlemen, "The great applause with which Miss Mudie has been received at several provincial theatres, encouraged, in her friends, a hope, that her merit might be such as to pass the tribunal of your judgment. (Violent hissing.) Be assured, however, Gentlemen, that the proprietors of this Theatre by no means wish to press any species of entertainment upon you, which may not meet your approbation.-(Loud applause.) If, therefore, you will permit Miss Mudie,"—(No! No!) Mr. Kemble could not be heard for some time; but, at last, neatly resumed, "The drama's laws, the drama's patrons give!" "We hope, however, that, as the play has proceeded so far, you will allow Miss Mudie to finish the character." No! No! was vociferated from various parts of the house. Finding this of no avail, Mr. Kemble tried his success with the female part of the assemblage, by saying, with emphasis, : "Ladies and Gentlemen, "Let me entreat, that you will allow Miss Mudie to finish her part. Perhaps, when you are informed, that, after this night, Miss Mudie will be withdrawn from the stage, you will be induced to comply." This last appeal seemed to produce the desired effect, but the calm was deceitful; for, upon the next appearance of the child, the uproar broke out with such violence, that she was compelled to retire. Mr. Murray then came forward, and requested to be heard for a few words, when he spoke as follows :— "Ladies and Gentlemen, "If you will have the kindness to allow me to trespass upon your patience five minutes, Miss Searle, with your indulgence, will play Miss Mudie's part, from the commencement of the fifth act." Order was again restored: but, upon the appearance of Miss Searle, hostilities were ungenerously renewed betwen the partisans of Miss Mudie, and the Anti-Roscianites. All was noise and confusion. When it was found that any interference would but "more embroil the fray," the remainder of the comedy was converted into pantomimic show, not a word being heard; and the curtain fell on the most imperfect performance ever witnessed on a London stage. THEATRICALS INTERDICTED AT CAMBRIDGE. Copy of a Letter from Lord North, respecting a Showman. "To the Right Worshipful, my loving Friende, Mr. Dr. Hatcher, Vice Chauncelour of Cambridge. "If your neighbour Robinson, good Mr. Vice Chauncelour, have told you that he hath licence from me to shew certayn games, suerly I must needs confesse that he abuseth me therein, or els, I have to muche abused myselfe in consenting to as great vanitie. Howbeit, I do assure myselfe he hath nothing to shew under my hande for any games, or if he have, it is for lawful games, which neither you nor any justice can restrayne; seeing the lause doth alowe them. Sir, I do so muche mislyke theis vayne and idle stories, as I wyll consent to none of them. I do utterly mislyke any assembly of people, without the servis of God, or her Majesty, and therefore gyve my consent to withdraw hym from any of his showes, although he have warrant for the same, which you shale not find treue. "Concerning my man and usher, though all things be not treu, according to the informacion. gyven me, so do I not leave all to be untreu ; and therefore leave the order to your good consideration, who I, heare, hath alredie handlid the mat→ ter with good wisedome; for which I hartily thank you, and howe muche more easely you shall deale with me and my man, so muche more a cause I have to thank you, and shall be the redier to requite it to your bodye; but if you fall to accusashuns of slander, I trust you wyll gyve me justice, which will appeale for the same, even in greate and grievous slanders ministered agaynst me. So I leave you to the mercies of our Heavenlie Father, whoe ever bless you." "In haste, from Kirtling, 20th Sept. 1580, "ROGER NORTH." |